A TORTURED dog had to be put down after suffering severe burns all over its body.

The American bulldog-type was found near Birk Brow, Charltons, near Saltburn, at about 6pm on Saturday, January 11.

He had endured scalding to his back, head, face and ears and the skin down his legs had peeled off.

“It seemed as though something had either been poured or dropped on him. There was also evidence of previous scarring though,” said RSPCA inspector Chris Nisbet.

“I took him straight to the vets where he was sedated for a full examination but his injuries were so severe he was put to sleep on welfare grounds."

Mr Nibet is appealing for anyone with information about the dog or its owner.

“I cannot bear to think how much suffering the dog must have undergone and I really hope that someone will come forward with some valuable information.

"He should have been sit by a vet urgently but obviously that hasn’t happened. In fact, the vet believes he had been suffering for two or three days like this,” Mr Nisbet added.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0300-1234999 and ask to leave a message for Chris Nisbet.